Lactobacillus acidophilus is a bacteria that lives in the small intestine and vagina. According to the Mayo Clinic this bacteria is beneficial because it produces lactase, vitamin K, and anti-microbial substances such as acidolphilin, acidolin, lactocidin, and bacteriocin. The terms probiotic, friendly bacteria and beneficial bacteria are often used to describe Lactobacillus acidophilus, it is also sometimes written as L. acidophilus.
Lactobacillus acidophilus is available as tablets, capsules, liquid, suppositories and naturally occurs in foods such as yogurt.
Reducing Coughs, Fever and Antibiotic Use in Children
In a study published in the 2009 issue of "Pediatrics," lead author Dr.G.J. Leyer and his team studied the effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis on influenza and cold symptoms in children aged 3 to 5 years old. The study took place, during the winter season, and the team concluded that taking Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis daily for 6 months was a safe, effective way for children aged 3 to 5 years to reduce coughs, fever and antibiotic use during the winter months. The team also found that the number of missed school days attributable to illness was reduced.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial Vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in women. It is caused by an imbalance between good and bad bacteria in the vagina. Often bacterial vaginosis has no symptoms but it can cause pain, burning, discharge, itching and odor.
In a study published in the 1992 issue of "Sexually Transmitted Disease," lead author Dr. Hallen and his team; found that vaginal suppositories containing 100 million to 1 billion Lactobacillus acidophilus, used twice a day for 6 days, significantly improved bacterial vaginosis compared to a placebo.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
According to the National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse, one in five Americans has symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, making it one of the most common disorders seen by doctors. Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include bloating, constipation, diarrhea, cramping and abdominal pain.
In a study published in the 1996 issue of the "American Journal of Gastroenterology," lead author Dr. G.M. Halpern and his team investigated the effect of capsules containing 5 billion Lactobacillus acidophilus on the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. The team found that after 6 weeks of treatment, bloating, abdominal pain and quality and quantity of stools was significantly improved compared to a placebo.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Lactobacillus acidophilus
- "Pediatrics"; Probiotic effects on cold and influenza-like symptom incidence and duration in children; GJ Leyer, S Li, ME Mubasher, et al; 2009.
- "Sexually Transmitted Disease"; Treatment of bacterial vaginosis with lactobacilli; A Hallen, C Jarstrand, C Pahlson; 1992.
- National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- "American Journal of Gastroenterology"; Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with Lacteol Fort: a randomized, double-blind, cross-over trial; GM Halpern, T Prindiville, M Blankenburg, et al; 1996.
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